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Sunday, 29 May 2011

When trying to define elegance, I came once again across Coco Chanel who probably is the godmother of what one considers a contemporary elegant style. With her invention of the “little black dress” she had a revolutionary influence on fashion.

the little black one with a hint of wild life

According to her,

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress.“

Regarding the little black dress, it is the simplicity of its silhouette, which makes it strong enough to stand out without dominating the person. The essential tool of elegance seems to include simplicity, versatility and consistency. Elegance is also about attitude, because a simple dress doesn’t give any space to hide behind. It requires self-confidence and grace.

Coco Chanel said:

“Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.”

Actually this topic is also part of architectural discussion when building for example a museum. The aim is to create a building which is strong enough to stand out on its own, but minimalist enough to present art and versatile enough to give unrestricted freedom to change.

Thursday, 26 May 2011

My great summer dream is a red Vespa like on the picture to explore on a nice sunny day my surroundings. When I was visiting friends in Vienna, I found in a bookshop this great movie classic from 1953. “Roman Holiday”with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, which I had to buy immediately.

Vespa PX

Audrey Hepburn plays a crown princess who’s greatest wish is, for once doing what ordinary people do and just enjoy her life. On her side Gregory Peck as broke journalist who winds the story of his life.

My favourite scenes are her visit at the hairdresser and her Vespa ride through the streets of Rome.

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

I have noticed something interesting in a discussion with my friends; people who dress well are suspicious and accused of being pretentious. If you have a closer look on Finnish fashion trends you will realize that there is a tendency towards the individualistic look which is often based on a protest against whatever one considers mainstream. I have never seen before so many gothic lolitas, punk girls, rocker and rastafaris than here in Helsinki.

But the question is when does rebellion and underground style become mainstream and what do well dressed people pretend to be?

One approach to the topic is the punk scene of the late 70s. Born 35 years ago, punk influences most art and culture forms, from music to literature and visual arts to fashion. While strongly denying art and fashion, these creative minds did want their images and clothes to change the world.

"pretty vacant", poster by Jamie Reid

One example is fashion designer Vivienne Westwood who opened together with her husband Malcom McLaren in 1971 their shop “Let it Rock at 430 Kings Road” in London. Though during this time the hippie movement dominated the fashion look, both found their inspiration in rebellion and 1950s clothing and music.

Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols)
wearing a Seditionaries t-shirt

They went further and began to design t-shirts with provocative messages leading to their prosecution under the obscenity laws; their reaction was to re-brand the shop and produce even more hardcore images.

In 1976 the Sex Pistol’s God Save the Queen, managed by McLaren, went to number one and was refused to be played by radio stations. The shop reopened as Seditionaires transforming the straps and zips of obscure sexual fetishism into fashion. The media called it ‘Punk Rock’ and after a time Punk was absorbed into the mainstream and Vivienne Westwood is today one of the most celebrated fashion designers.

In my opinion, everyone should wear what expresses his or her personality. I don’t think fancy clothes in general are more pretentious than a punk outfit and everything mainstream has to be doomed. If I am invited to a nice dinner and I put on a fancy dress, I also show that I appreciate the person I am together with, and it doesn’t prevent me from slipping into my hot loved Slayer shirt for the next approaching festival.

The important feature is that everyone finds the own style and isn’t just a copy of the latest fashion magazine.

One example is the project Hel Looks founded by Liisa Jokinen and Sampo Karjalainen. I love their blog, which shows how creative and stylish people are.

Monday, 16 May 2011

The first spring rain in the morning reminded me of a beautiful movie classic I have just seen lately. “Les parapluies de Cherbourg” with Catherine Deneuve from 1964.

The movie shows the struggle of two young lovers. A simple but touching story especially because of the sung dialogue and the bright colours and patterns which guide the audience through a dreamlike world.

I love the pastel tones of sweet Genevieve played by Catherine Deneuve, the red costumed mum showing dominance and strength and the psychedelic patterns of their home.

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The Author

Some time ago when I was looking for new challenges, I packed my bag and moved to the North... My passion for music and design brought me to Helsinki where I work as an architect.
Architecture is definitly one of my passion, but there are so many more... I like fancy dresses and shoes, red lips and red wine, exploring new places, experimenting new food and drinks, movies and music, old and new, art and design... and with this blog I want to share my passions and encourage.